The Northeastern Huskies won the Beanpot for the first time in 30 years defeating the Boston University Terriers by a score of 5-2, and Canucks prospect Adam Gaudette contributed a hat-trick to the cause.
Gaudette, 21-years-old, was also named the tournament’s MVP. After his hat trick effort, which included the empty-net goal to seal the Huskies victory, Gaudette now has 47 points (24 goals and 23 assists) in 30 games, good for first place among NCAA Div. 1 scoring.
The Beanpot tournament, held annually, pits the four Boston area universities against each other in a two-round tournament. The Northeastern Huskies, Boston College Eagles, Boston University Terriers and Harvard Crimsons all take part. To quote the Beanpot’s Wikipedia page:
The tournament lasts two rounds, with first-round opponents being rotated from year to year. The second round features the consolation game and the championship game.
In addition to the tournament trophy, two individual awards are given out each year. The Eberly Trophy[4] goes to the goaltender with the highest save percentage who plays in both of his team’s games, while the Beanpot MVP[5] is awarded to tournament’s most valuable player.
It’s a huge deal to everyone involved, and you needn’t look further for proof of that than to listen to Gaudette speak on what the tournament meant to him.
Next up is the drive for the National Title, though, that would be quite a feat given the Huskie’s ranking as the 12th best team in NCAA Div. 1 men’s hockey (as of February 12th). That said, that ranking is likely to change given the Huskies performance at the Beanpot — one would think that a slight change is in order, all things considered.
Hopefully, Gaudette can top this spectacular season off with a one-way trip to the NHL. The Canucks, I am certain, want to get Gaudette signed by season’s end. Based on Gaudette’s commentary in an interview with Nation Network Radio, he’s eager for the opportunity, too.